Picnic pests can be deterred

Follow these tips and enjoy your outdoor experience

5:15 PM,
Jun. 28, 2013

Undated image An Aedes albopictus mosquito feeds on a human blood meal. Under experimental conditions the Aedes albopictus mosquito, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, has been found to be a vector of West Nile virus. Aedes is a genus of the Culicine family of mosquitoes. Photo by James Gathany, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Via MerlinFTP Drop]

Written by

Todd Hill
CentralOhio.com

Summer has arrived, the weather is beautiful, and you and your friends, naturally, are looking forward to dining alfresco.

As soon as the food is brought outside, however, you realize you're not alone. Ants, bees, wasps, mosquitoes and other insects not only want a place at your table; they may outnumber you and your guests within minutes.

Running back inside with your hamburger and potato salad doesn't have to be your only response to their presence, however. You should be able to continue enjoying your picnic outside by following some common-sense tips, such as using citronella candles ...